Description

2017 Santa Cruz Bicycles Bronson 2.0 Carbon CC X01 Eagle Complete Mountain Bike

 

2016’s 2.0 reboot saw the Bronson get a slacker head tube angle, longer chassis measurement, and a more power-oriented seat tube tilt, which all contribute to make Santa Cruz’s do-it-all rig even more competent across a huge range of terrain and gradients. For 2017, the Bronson 2.0 Carbon CC X01 Eagle Complete Mountain Bike brings back all those changes for another year of trail shredding fun and gets kitted out with a complement of SRAM’s groundbreaking X01 Eagle drivetrain, a dropper post, and Race Face ARC 27 hoops.

Of the build kit, the new 12-speed Eagle drivetrain is the clear highlight; however, Santa Cruz’s 2.0 geometry changes remains the star of the bike as a whole. Of those 2.0 updates, arguably the most impressive alteration is the head tube, which slacks out by an extra tick on the protractor to drop from 67 to 66 degrees. This change is complemented with a corresponding increase in top tube length, a lower bottom bracket, and a raised lower link — a combination that allows for short-stemmed, strike-free, point-and-click confidence while traversing lines and dropping steps that would cause even the previous Bronson to hesitate. It also effectively erases root lattices and moderate rock gutters, letting you mash across terrain that trail, XC, and even other all-mountain bikes have to pick through with delicate care.

Compared to the 1.0 version, the Bronson 2.0’s seat tube gets steeper by almost a full degree for better positioning over the cranks. The revised geometry keeps you on top of the pedal stroke, and relocated links allow for a shorter chainstay, which makes for more efficient power transfer. The back end is further stiffened with the 12 x 148mm Boost axle standard, ensuring that the extra watts produced by the improved pedaling position and shorter chainstays aren’t lost to wheel flex. Despite its slacker head tube and longer geometry, the back end configuration helps the Bronson 2.0 pop over cruxes and maintain speed across hard pack.

The latest VPP suspension system is an update to Santa Cruz’s classic model. Where the old suspension curve described a deep “U,” the new VPP’s curve resembles a flattened check mark, with less dramatic ramping on either end of the arc. The results are that, during the initial stroke, the new VPP boasts increased small bump compliance to keep the tires glued to the trail for more traction while climbing across lumpy trails and root lattices. It also maintains its predecessor’s firm feel during accelerations while jockeying for position in a mass start or a finishing sprint. The ramp-up arc doesn’t dramatically alter as the shock compresses, so the pedaling platform stays consistent across travel, with less wallowing, bob, and bottom-outs—even when the bottom link activates and the axle’s path turns rearward to absorb big hits in the deep end of the travel pool.

For all the changes listed above, the Bronson 2.0 Carbon CC’s construction remains the same. As with previous Carbon CC frames, the Bronson 2.0 Carbon CC requires less material to hit Santa Cruz’s stiffness targets without sacrificing any of the responsiveness of the less expensive, heavier Carbon C models. Both triangles are constructed as whole, monocoque pieces, which also contributes to keeping weight low because the carbon can be wrapped through junctures and around joints. This eliminates the artificial weak points of bonded frames and actually requires less material in the process. While it’s being cured, the frame is compacted from inside and out. This final step eliminates excess material and resin pooling, resulting in more structural integrity and, of course, additional weight savings.

 

2017 Santa Cruz Bicycles Bronson 2.0 Carbon CC X01 Eagle Complete Mountain Bike

An aggressive all-mountain machine with enduro leanings

Rides high on 150mm of VPP suspension

Updated geometry is slacker, lower, and longer in the front

RockShox Pike RCT3 fork soaks up big hits with composure

CC Carbon construction reduces weight and increases stiffness

Boost thru-axles increases stiffness and improve tracking

X01 Eagle drivetrain adds the ultimate bailout cog

Santa Cruz blends cutting-edge tech with timeless style

 

2017 Santa Cruz Bicycles Bronson 2.0 Carbon CC X01 Eagle Complete Mountain Bike

Frame Material:

Carbon CC

Suspension:

VPP

Rear Shock:

Rock Shox Monarch Plus RC3

Rear Travel:

150 mm

Fork:

Rock Shox Pike RCT3 Solo Air

Front Travel:

150 mm

Headset:

Cane Creek 40

Shifters:

SRAM X01 Eagle

Front Derailleur:

n/a

Rear Derailleur:

SRAM X01 Eagle

ISCG Tabs:

yes, ISCG 05

Crankset:

32 t SRAM X01 Eagle Carbon

Bottom Bracket:

included w/ crankset

Cassette:

10 – 50 t SRAM XG 1295

Chain:

SRAM X01 Eagle PowerLock

Brakeset:

SRAM Guide RSC

Brake Type:

hydraulic disc

Rotors:

180 mm Avid Centerline

Handlebar:

Santa Cruz Carbon 800mm Bar, 35mm clamp

Handlebar Width:

800 mm

Grips:

Santa Cruz Palmdale Lock-on

Stem:

Race Face Turbine Basic, 35mm clamp

Saddle:

WTB Silverado Team

Seatpost:

[small] Rock Shox Reverb Stealth 125mm travel, [medium, large] Rock Shox Reverb Stealth 150mm travel, [x-large] Rock Shox Reverb Stealth 170mm travel

Wheelset:

Race Face ARC 27

Hubs:

DT Swiss 350

Front Axle:

15 x 110m Boost

Rear Axle:

12 x 148mm Boost

Tires:

[front] Maxxis Minion DHF EXO TR, [rear] Maxxis Minion DHR2 TR

Tire Size:

27.5 x 2.3 in

Pedals:

not included

Recommended Use:

all mountain, enduro

Manufacturer Warranty:

lifetime on frame

Actual Weight:

Gloss Blue/Orange, M: 12910g

 

GEOMETRY CHART